Members of the Reining Horse Association of the Northwest proved that they are Tough Enough to Wear Pink as they kicked off the show season with an incredibly successful and fun Slide for the Pink held at the Grant County Fairgrounds on May 8-10. The show attracted competitors from Washington, Idaho, Oregon and British Columbia who enjoyed great competition plus the knowledge that they were part of a larger mission - to raise money for cancer research.

In addition to a full slate of reining classes, there were a number of special events to raise money for the Susan Komen Foundation including a Silent Auction, Pink Rides and a Bra Decorating Contest which featured amazing displays of creativity that defy description. Erica Curless won a night at the Coeur d’Alene Casino and two buffet tickets for her fishing themed bra decorated with toy fishing poles, moss and tiny fish. The bras were then auctioned off to an enthusiastic crowd of spectators with the winning bra going for $250!

When the dust settled at the end of the show, the total amount of money raised for the Susan Komen Foundation exceeded $4,000! Entries increased 32% over 2008 and the total money paid out to competitors was $6,900.

As part of the fund raising efforts for cancer research, RHANW still has breedings available to four outstanding reining stallions - A Little Shady Jac, Easy Otie Whiz, Royal Blue Quixote and Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step. These breedings have been donated by the stallion owners and may be used for the 2009 or 2010 breeding seasons. The breedings are available at half of the normal breeding fee, with the exception of Wimpys Little Step. 100% of the breeding fee will be donated to the Komen Foundation. For information contact Joanne Pettit at 509 868-4383 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Reining Horse Association Northwest is an affiliate of the National Reining Horse Association. There will be three more shows in 2009 at the Grant County Fairgrounds in Moses Lake: The Summerslide and Dun Its Lucky Charm Derby on June 12-14, the Washington Trust Slide on July 17-19 and the Spin Out and All Star Futurity on September 18-20. For information about the RHANW and upcoming events, go to www.rhanw.com.